London is a city of secrets, and its hidden bars are no exception. Beyond the bustling streets and iconic landmarks lie secret speakeasies, tucked away in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, a secret bar is the perfect way to add a touch of intrigue to your next London outing.
Seven Secret Bars to Uncover
We’ve compiled a list of seven of London’s best secret bars, each with its own distinctive character and charm, ready to transport you to another time and place. From vintage-inspired speakeasies to detective agencies, these hidden gems are sure to delight and surprise. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, where hidden doors, password-protected entrances and unassuming facades lead to a world of cocktails and wonder.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: A Whimsical Fridge-Turned-Bar
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, head to The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, a secret bar tucked away inside The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane. Once you’ve found the unassuming breakfast spot, whisper to a member of staff that you’re looking for “The Mayor”. They’ll guide you through a hidden passage, leading you to a dimly lit room, where an ordinary Smeg fridge stands guard. Open the door, and be transported into a whimsical cocktail bar, an unexpected oasis hidden in plain sight. The low ceilings, vintage wall art and textured brick walls create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, inviting you to explore the quirky cocktail menu filled with creative concoctions like “Wet Whiskers” and “Thyme to Get Funky”.
Milroy’s Whisky Shop: A Secret Vault Below
Nestled in the heart of Soho, Milroy’s Whisky Shop is a beloved institution, but what few know is that it houses a secret cocktail bar, The Vault, hidden beneath the shop floor. Venture into the whisky haven, and discreetly inform a staff member that you’re seeking “The Vault”. They’ll point you towards a discreet bookcase at the back of the shop. Give the bookcase a gentle nudge, and it will swing open, revealing a hidden staircase leading to a cozy speakeasy. Step into a world of dark wood and dim lighting, where over 50 guests can gather and savor the whisky-heavy cocktail menu. Relax in the comfortable Chesterfield sofas or enjoy a private drink in the barrel-shaped vault, a perfect spot for a intimate gathering.
Discount Suit Company: A Tailored Cocktail Experience
Just a short walk from Aldgate East Station, Discount Suit Company seems like a typical 1980s tailoring shop, but behind its unassuming facade lies a hidden cocktail bar. Look for the unmarked black door next to the shop, and descend the stairs, stepping through a curtain to reveal an intimate cocktail bar. The basement space, with its traditional Victorian floorboards, tailoring props and bar made from a cutting table, offers a unique and charming atmosphere. The cocktail menu features creative twists on classic drinks, while the soundtrack of Northern Soul, Motown and rock ‘n’ roll transports you back to the 1980s.
The Blind Pig: A Michelin-Star Secret
The name The Blind Pig might conjure up images of a rough-and-tumble establishment, but this secret bar is anything but. Located above Jason Atherton’s Michelin-star restaurant, Social Eating House, this hidden gem offers a sophisticated cocktail experience with the option to pair your drink with Michelin-star food. To find this hidden gem, look for the “opticians” sign down Poland Street in Soho, and use the pig-shaped knocker to push open the door. Ascend the stairs to enter a 1940s-style bar, with a copper-topped bar, antique mirrored ceiling, and flickering candles, creating the perfect ambiance for a special evening.
Purl: A Sensory Cocktail Journey
This secret cocktail bar takes inspiration from the American prohibition era, evoking the hidden speakeasies of the 1920s. To find Purl, look for the ominous winged sign on Blandford Street, knock three times, and whisper the password “hair of the dog”. Step inside to discover a world of extraordinary cocktails, where expert mixologists create multi-sensory experiences. Expect furious foam, arousing aromas, and magical liquid nitrogen to elevate your cocktail journey. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and innovation of these remarkable drinks.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency: A Role-Playing Cocktail Adventure
For a secret cocktail bar with an immersive experience, head to Evans & Peel Detective Agency. Before you arrive, visit their website and book an appointment, rather than a reservation. Fill out the “My case” tab, providing details about the mystery you want the detectives to investigate. When you arrive at the black door, the detectives will question you about your case, deciding whether to take it on. If you’re lucky, they’ll allow you to stay while they investigate. While they’re busy, you can peruse the notebook-style cocktail menu, which features drinks named after historical bandits and bootleggers, each served in a unique and surprising way. Get ready to role-play your way through a captivating evening.
The Natural Philosopher: A Botanical Cocktail Oasis
This botanical-themed secret cocktail bar is hidden at the back of the MacSmiths repair shop on Hackney Road. The Natural Philosopher offers a unique and ever-changing menu of cocktails made from foraged ingredients and inspired by herbal remedies. Once you’ve chosen your drink, settle into one of the three themed rooms, each with its own distinct atmosphere. Enjoy the nostalgia of The Mac Museum, relax in the homely comfort of The Living Room, or seek out the cozy intimacy of The Basement, a room only five feet tall. Prepare for an obscure and flavorful cocktail experience unlike any other.
More Than Just Drinks: A Secret World of London
London’s secret bars are more than just places to enjoy a drink. They offer a unique and immersive experience, a chance to step out of the ordinary and into a world of intrigue and discovery. From hidden entrances and password-protected doors to role-playing adventures and secret societies, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in London, ditch the tourist traps and embrace the city’s hidden secrets. You never know what wonders you might uncover.
